How to Calculate Bias

By Vivian Gomez ; Updated September 15, 2017

If you are a quilter, then you have likely used bias binding to finish your quilts' edges. Bias binding is ideal for quilting projects, or for any fabric project that has curved edges, because when fabric is cut on the bias, it has a natural stretch. Use a simple formula to calculate bias binding yardage yield so you know how much fabric you need to make bias strips for all your quilting projects.

Measure the perimeter of your quilting project. Add 2 inches to that number to account for necessary overlap. Divide that total by 36 for the number of yards of bias binding you need to complete your entire project. Multiply this number by the width of bias binding you want to make. Note the number.

Multiply the length of your fabric by the width of the fabric. Divide the result by the width of bias strips you want to make to get the number of inches of bias you have available. Divide the number of inches by 36 so you know how many yards of bias binding the fabric will yield. Note the number.

Compare the number from Step 1 with the number from Step 2 to see if you have enough fabric to start your quilting project. If you do not, you will need more fabric.

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About the Author

Vivian Gomez contributes to Retailing Today, the Daily Puppy, Paw Nation and other websites. She's covered the New York Comic Con for NonProductive since 2009 and writes about everything from responsible pet ownership to comic books to the manner in which smart phones are changing the way people shop. Gomez received her Bachelor of Arts in English literature from Pace University.